By Ian Capasso

The former Arsenal midfielder's older cousin reveals that the Cameroon international is frustrated about a lack of first-team appearances since moving to Camp Nou

The cousin of Alex Song has revealed that the midfielder is unhappy at Barcelona because of his lack of first-team opportunities since joining from Arsenal.

The Cameroon international moved to the Catalan club for £15 million over the summer but has made just 12 starts in La Liga, spending some of that time in a less familiar centre-back role rather than his preferred position in the middle of the park.

Former Liverpool and Galatasaray defender Rigobert Song has now publicly declared the 25-year-old's discontent in Spain but still believes that he ought to remain with the Blaugrana.

"Alex is not happy [at Barcelona]; at Arsenal he was a leader on and off the field, he doesn't feel like the protagonist in Spain, it makes him feel bad," the elder Song told Calciomercato on Wednesday.

"He still has a long contract, until 2017. I do not think moving away is the right choice. All players want to play all the time but in Barcelona it is not easy. "

Despite his cousin's struggles to impose himself on the first team at Camp Nou, the veteran Song sees success in due time for the former Gunner.

"Alex must have patience," he asserted. "His time will come because he has the qualities to do well."